Eating fruits and veggies every day keeps you healthy and happy—but don’t forget to wash them before digging in! Here’s why it matters and the best ways to clean your produce.
Why Wash?
Fruits and veggies might look clean, but they’re often exposed to dirt, germs, bugs, and even pesticides. Whether they’re grown in a field or a greenhouse, they can pick up bacteria, fungi, and viruses along the way. Plus, the packing and shipping process can add even more contaminants. Washing your produce is an easy way to reduce these risks!
The Best Ways to Wash Your Produce
Start With Clean HandsWash your hands first to avoid transferring germs.
Use Cold Running WaterNo need for fancy sprays or chemicals. Simply rub your fruits and veggies under running water until they look clean. This removes dirt, surface germs, and pesticide residues.
Don’t Use Detergent or BleachProduce can absorb these chemicals, which can make them unsafe to eat.
Optional: Vinegar or Baking Soda SoaksIf you like, you can soak produce in a mix of water with vinegar or baking soda for extra cleaning power. However, research shows plain water works just as well for most fruits and veggies.
Tips for Specific Produce
Leafy Greens: Separate leaves and rinse each one under water. Discard wilted or damaged leaves.
Root Veggies (Potatoes, Carrots): Scrub with a veggie brush.
Berries (Strawberries, Grapes): Rinse only before eating to keep them fresh longer.
Hard-Skinned Produce (Squash, Cucumbers): Rinse and scrub the skin.
Delicate Fruits (Tomatoes, Peaches): Rinse gently to avoid damage.
Storage Smarts
After washing, dry your produce with a paper towel or use a salad spinner to reduce moisture, which helps prevent germ growth. Store in a container with a lid and keep in the fridge.
Cooking for Extra Safety
While washing removes most dirt and germs, cooking above 60°C is the only way to kill all bacteria. So for maximum safety, enjoy cooked veggies when possible.
Keep it simple: wash with water, handle with care, and enjoy your fresh produce safely! 🌿🍎
Comments